January 2022 Highway Code changes

Changes to Highway Code January 2022

There have been new changes to the Highway Code, which was implemented on Saturday 29th January 2022. These changes outline a new ‘Hierarchy of Road Users’, meaning that those on the road who can cause the greatest harm and damage have the greatest amount of responsibility to reduce danger and accidents that they could cause to other road users.

It is vital as a road user that you remain up-to-date with the Highway Code.

What are the new changes?

The H1 rule

The new H1 rule would mean that those operating large goods vehicles (LGVs) and passenger carrying vehicles (PCV’S) have a greater responsibility than van and car drivers.

Additionally, those who come under smaller categories such as cyclists and horse riders have greater responsibility to reduce danger to pedestrians.

The H2 rule

The new H2 rule concerns drivers, motorcyclists, horse riders, and cyclists.

  • When at a junction, you will need to give way to pedestrians who are crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which you are turning.
  • You MUST give way to pedestrians on a zebra crossing, and pedestrians and cyclists on a parallel crossing.
  • Give way to pedestrians waiting to cross a zebra crossing and pedestrians and cyclists waiting to cross a parallel crossing.
  • Pedestrians have priority when on a zebra crossing, on a parallel crossing, or at light-controlled crossings when they have a green signal.
  • Horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles should also give way to pedestrians on a zebra crossing and pedestrians and cyclists on a parallel crossing.
the highway code rule h2
Highway code H2 rule changes January 2022.© DVSA Crown copyright, 2022.

The H3 rule

The H3 rule counts for drivers and motorcyclists.

This rule outlines that you should not cut across cyclists going ahead when turning into or out of a junction or changing direction or lane, similar to that of other motor vehicles on the road. This rule will apply when cyclists are:

  • Using a cycle lane.
  • Using a cycle track.
  • Riding on the road.

Additionally, you shouldn’t turn at a junction if doing so would mean that the cyclist going straight ahead would need to stop or swerve. Instead, you should stop and wait for a safe gap including, when cyclists are:

  • Approaching, passing, or moving off from a junction.
  • Moving past or waiting alongside stationary or slow-moving traffic.
  • Travelling around a roundabout.
the highway code rule h3
Highway code H3 rule changes January 2022.© DVSA Crown copyright, 2022.

As a road user, and now especially as an HGV driver, it is important that you are aware of the Highway Code and any changes to it as this could be the difference between remaining safe and compliant and facing any charges that could apply.

For more information on the Highway Code and the January 2022 changes visit the Gov.uk website.

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